* Maurice (Maury) King; Western-Wear Retailer

Maurice (Maury) King, a San Fernando Valley retailer since 1946 whose Western-wear store supplied clothing for numerous Hollywood productions, has died. He was 76.

A longtime Van Nuys resident, King died Tuesday at a Burbank hospital after suffering from leukemia, said his son, Randy King.

With his wife, Arlene, King opened King’s Riding and Sport Shop on Friar Street in Van Nuys in 1946. Two years later, the Kings modified their inventory to target the growing number of horse owners in the Valley, re-christening the store King’s Western Wear. In 1950, the couple built a home in Van Nuys a few blocks from the store.

According to his son, a regular fixture at the shop in the early years was a dog that King had smuggled out of Germany during World War II. Named Duchie, the boxer entertained customers for more than a decade.

King’s Western Wear moved to its present Van Nuys Boulevard location in 1962. Since then, it has become one of the largest stores of its kind in Southern California, drawing customers from around the globe, according to Randy King. He added that the store’s apparel has appeared in such movies as “Unforgiven,” “Silverado” and “Urban Cowboy.”

Born in Chicago, King moved to Los Angeles with his family about 1920. He attended Los Angeles City College and worked briefly in the retail industry before being drafted in 1942. As a member of the Army Air Corps, he fought in the European theater, attaining the rank of captain.

According to his wife, King was active in San Fernando Valley community affairs for many years and gave generously to several charities benefiting Israel. The Kings celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this year.

In addition to his wife and son, King is survived by a daughter, Nancy King of San Rafael, and two grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Groman-Eden Mortuary, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.